The Cost of Miscommunication: Why Accurate Interpreting Saves the NHS Time and Money

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In today’s NHS, resources are stretched like never before. Every minute counts, and every appointment costs. Yet one hidden factor continues to waste both time and money: miscommunication.

For patients who don’t speak English fluently; whether Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, or Kurdish, language barriers can make simple appointments complex. Without accurate interpreting, the NHS risks longer consultations, repeated visits, and even misdiagnoses.

When Words Go Wrong at the NHS

Imagine a mother in Sheffield who speaks only Farsi attending a GP appointment for her child. Without a qualified interpreter, key details are lost. The doctor orders extra tests “just in case,” schedules follow-up visits, and the family returns again and again. Multiply this by numbers of patients across the UK, and the cost of miscommunication quickly escalates.

Without professional support, family members are often asked to “fill in” as interpreters, especially children. This places unfair pressure on them, risks errors in translation, and can even breach patient confidentiality. A child interpreting for her Iranian mother may soften words like “severe pain” to “just pain,” unintentionally delaying urgent treatment. What feels like a small slip can change the entire course of care.

The Numbers Behind NHS Interpreting Services

• NHS England estimates that missed or repeated appointments cost over £216 million every year.

• Research shows that patients who face language barriers are twice as likely to miss follow-ups or re-attend A&E within a short period.

• Studies highlight that accurate interpreting reduces appointment times by up to 30%, as doctors and patients can get to the heart of the issue faster.

Consider maternity care: one UK study found that women facing language barriers were significantly more likely to require emergency interventions during birth. The lack of accurate interpreting doesn’t just strain resources, it directly impacts outcomes. In places like Yorkshire and Sheffield, where Arabic and Farsi-speaking communities have increased, the demand for reliable interpreters is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Why Accuracy Matters in Interpreting and Translation

Accurate interpreting is not just about converting Arabic to English or Farsi to English word-for-word. It’s about recognising nuance:

• Some languages have multiple words for “pain,” each pointing to a different type of symptom.

• Everyday terms can mean very different things in different dialects.

• Cultural context changes how patients describe stress, trauma, or physical symptoms.

Take the example of “depression.” In some languages, the closest word translates to “tiredness” or “sadness,” missing the clinical meaning entirely. Without a trained interpreter, a GP might treat the wrong condition or overlook mental health support altogether. Skilled interpreters don’t just bridge words; they bridge worlds, making sure patients and doctors are truly on the same page.

Getting it right the first time saves the NHS both time and money, while giving patients the care they truly need.

Beyond Cost: Building Trust With Patients

The financial case is strong, but the human case is stronger. Patients who feel understood are more likely to follow medical advice, attend future appointments, and trust the NHS staff. That trust builds efficiency into the system naturally.

Trust is especially vital in sensitive NHS services like mental health, maternity, or end-of-life care. A professional interpreter who understands their language and culture helps break down those barriers.

A Smarter Investment for the Public Sector

Some might see interpreting services as an extra cost. In reality, they are an investment, the one that prevents errors, reduces unnecessary repeat visits, and improves outcomes. In a budget-tight NHS, accurate interpreting is one of the smartest savings available.

Think of interpreting as preventative medicine for communication. Every pound spent on accurate translation or interpreting saves multiple pounds in avoided delays, unnecessary admissions, and repeat procedures. In budget-conscious times it’s about being efficient. The NHS doesn’t just save money; it delivers better, safer care. That’s why accurate Arabic to English or Farsi to English interpreting isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for a modern, inclusive health service.